Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons
Classic Australian lamington sponge cakes dipped in golden syrup-infused chocolate and rolled in toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical twist on a beloved treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (113 g), softened unsalted butter, (150 g) granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113 g), softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g), sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup (115 g), warmed golden syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups, finely chopped and toasted macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup (optional, for mixing with nuts) desiccated coconut
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Combine 1 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder, then add alternately with 1/4 cup milk to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Pour batter into a greased 8x8-inch square pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely, then cut into 16 equal squares.
- Step 4: In a heatproof bowl, sift together 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir in 1/3 cup warmed golden syrup and 1/2 cup boiling water until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Place finely chopped and toasted 1 1/2 cups macadamia nuts mixed with 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (optional) on a large plate. Using two forks, dip each cake square into the chocolate-golden syrup mixture to coat completely, then roll in the nut mixture to cover all sides.
- Step 6: Set lamingtons on a wire rack to let the coating set before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Golden Syrup and Macadamia Nut Lamingtons?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
